Warm winters and the landscaping

The 9th of February and there is absolutely no snow on the ground at my house in Essex Junction.  I thought that I should share some things about the effects of a warm winter on your landscaping.

-The lack of snow cover and dry winter air can cause desiccation (drying out) of landscape plants.  Evergreens are particularly susceptible.  An application of an anti-desiccant or construction of wind/sun screening can help protect against water loss.

-Snow is an excellent insulator.  Without snowpack, the cold can penetrate more deeply into the ground perhaps causing some root damage in some less hardy plants.  Appropriate mulching during the growing season will help protect against root damage.  For a remedy now, screening and mulching with leaves or straw will help decrease the risk of cold damage.

-Colder temperatures and no snow allowed for full dormancy of the grass this season.  Last year with the abundant snowfall and unfrozen ground we had tremendous snow mold problems.  I do not anticipate a repeat of last season's snow mold issues.

-Winter annual weeds will be more prevalent this season due to their ability to put on biomass on these warmer, sunny days.  I expect some heavier winter annual weed pressure this season.  Watch for annual ryegrass, annual bluegrass, henbit, shepherd's purse, and speedwell.

-The warmer temps have made it more pleasant to be outside and working.  We have performed some hefty rejuvenation pruning this winter.  Now is the perfect time to get out and get those deciduous shrubs back into shape.  If things aren't too frozen or it is a sunny warmer day you can also perform some leaf clean-up that perhaps was neglected this fall.

We are using the weather to finish preparing our machinery for the upcoming season, and we still have some openings for pruning and light tree work.  Design work is in full swing and we will be calling to talk with all of our clients over the next several weeks.  Don't let the warm winter get you down--enjoy the opportunities and get out and enjoy the sunshine